Program B: Incarceration

Program Authorization: R.S. 15:821-840.2 and R.S. 36:401-409

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The mission of the Incarceration Program is to provide for the custody, control, and care of adjudicated offenders through enforcement of the laws and implementation of programs designed to ensure the safety of the public, staff, and inmates.

The goals of the Incarceration Program are:

1. Maximize public safety through appropriate and effective correctional custodial and supervisory programs.

2. Provide for the safety of correctional staff and inmates by maintaining an organized and disciplined system of operations that promotes stability in the institution.

3. Ensure that basic services relating to adequate food, clothing, and shelter are provided to the inmate population.

4. Provide the maximum available bed space allowable by the State Fire Marshal, Department of Health and Hospitals, American Correctional Association requirements, budgeted resources, and good correctional practices.

5. Protect the investment by the state in the facility by providing an adequate maintenance program for all buildings and equipment and by following Division of Administration property control regulations.

The Incarceration Program encompasses all security and related costs. It also includes other services in keeping with the goal of providing for the custody and care of persons committed to the department's custody, such as the classification of inmates and related record-keeping, provision of basic necessities such as food, clothing, and laundry services for the inmate population, maintenance and support of the facility and other equipment, and Project Clean-Up. Project Clean-Up, a cooperative effort between the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Corrections Services, and the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), involves inmate crews for litter pickup and DOTD work crews for mowing and litter collection. The project is a direct result of the commitment by Governor and Mrs. Foster to improve the appearance of roads and highways across the state.

OBJECTIVES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

1. In FY 1998-99, the Incarceration Program will provide for the secure confinement and support of offenders committed to that institution while maintaining a safe working environment for staff.

SECURITY TRENDS AT LCIW

1991-92

1992-93

1993-94

1994-95

1995-96

1996-97

Number of Inmates per corrections security officer

3.38

2.98

2.9

2.9

2.5

3.8

Number of escapes

0

0

0

0

0

0

Number of apprehensions

0

0

0

0

0

0

Number of major disturbances

Not Available1

1

0

0

0

0

Number of minor disturbances

Not Available1

92

132

110

74

88

Number of assaults:

a. Inmate on staff

b. Inmate on inmate

Not Available1

Not Available1

51

106

37

134

20

43

24

93

22

67

Number of sex offenses

Not Available1

6

32

22

10

28

1 Data for this indicator were not compiled during this fiscal year.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION FOR THE PROGRAM

SOURCE OF FUNDING

This program is funded with state general fund, fees and self-generated revenues and interagency transfers. The fees and self-generated revenues are derived from the following: (1) inmate canteen fund to cover administrative cost incurred from managing the canteen fund; (2) funds received from the offenders for utility expenses attributed to the use of personal televisions in their rooms; (3) funds received for reimbursement for copier use, replacement of name tags, etc.; (4) funds received from employee purchase of meals; and (5) the required medical co-payment by inmates for certain medical visits and prescriptions. The interagency transfers are derived from the Department of Transportation and Development for security costs associated with providing inmate road crews.

Transfer two Typist Clerk positions to the Administration Program to properly reflect funding in the appropriate program

$8,089,348

$8,260,214

269

TOTAL RECOMMENDED

$585,942

$585,942

21

DIFFERENCE (TOTAL RECOMMENDED AND EXISTING OPERATING BUDGET)

The total means of financing for this program is recommended at 107.6% of the existing operating budget. It represents 89.1% of the total request ($9,276,542) for this program. The increase in the recommended level is primarily attributed to the costs associated with the 166-bed expansion.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

This program does not have funding for Professional Services for Fiscal Year 1998-1999.